Story Archive

Wedding Crasher

As Marine Capt. Andrew Cruz, 30, and Cara Neufeld, 28, were posing for their wedding photos on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, something interrupted the happy mood. “I heard the squeal of the brakes and a crash, and realized what it was,” Cruz said. He immediately ran in the direction of the sound and saw an SUV flipped over in a stream. Cruz said he could only see the driver’s legs and there was no response when they knocked on the windows. He used his elbow to break the window, checked on the passenger, and spoke to the OnStar operator (and, when he regained consciousness, the driver) until emergency responders arrived. Neufeld said she wasn’t surprised by her new husband’s response. “Andrew’s always the first person to help people out,” she said. Cruz changed into a fresh shirt and the party resumed. The best man discarded his prepared speech and instead told Neufeld, “Cara, if Andrew would go out of his way to protect a stranger, just imagine what he’ll do for you for the rest of your lives.” (MS/AP) ...He’s got a new uniform, but he’s still a hero at heart.